Seabed survey for NO-UK submarine cable completed

The NO-UK submarine cable project, connecting Newcastle to the Norwegian landing point at Green Mountain, has reached a new milestone. Several weeks of seabed survey in the North Sea is now finalized and the project is on track for completion in 2021. This 700 km long subsea fiber cable will significantly increase data capacity between Norway, the UK, and the rest of the world.

Yesterday, the vessel MV Fugro Galaxy completed the final work outside the planned landing point at Green Mountain’s data center (DC1-Stavanger). The purpose of the surveys was to collect seabed data to be used to determine the final route for the fiber cable and the most suitable type of cable to be used.

This high-speed fiber cable will provide significantly strengthened data communication to and from Norway. This is important for the business community, for private consumers, for society in general and will also strengthen Norway's position as an attractive place to invest in new data centers.

- We are pleased that the project is progressing according to schedule, despite the challenges associated with the covid-19 situation. Next year, the actual installing of the cable can begin and it will be operational by end of 2021, says Chairman of the Board in NO-UK, Geir Ims.

- This cable project further strengthens Green Mountain’s position as the connectivity hub in the South Western part of Norway. Several international connectivity providers have already signed agreements and will be utilizing this new submarine cable as a new connectivity highway between Norway and the UK. With improved resilience and reduced latency, the Stavanger region now offers a realistic alternative to the data center cluster in London, says CEO of Green Mountain, Tor Kristian Gyland.

- The last 6 months, UK clients have shown massive interest. Especially because of the current power price level in the Stavanger region. Today (18.08.20), the spot market price for power is 4,70 Euro per MWh in the Stavanger region compared to 42,17 Euro in UK. Looking at the Nordics, we are also far below the price level of Sweden and Denmark with 68, 71 Euro and 73,67 Euro respectively, Gyland explains. (See Nordpool pdf.)

A consortium consisting of Green Mountain, Lyse, Haugaland Kraft and BKK, the Hatteland Group and Ryfylke IKS is behind the project. The fiber cable will be operated by Altibox Carrier.

Se video and photos of the MV Fugro Galaxy outside Green Mountain’s DC1-Stavanger. 

About NO-UK Com

NO-UK Com is the consortium building the fibre cable between Norway - UK connection and comprises Altibox Carrier as the operator, Green Mountain, Haugaland Kraft, BKK, Ryfylke IKS, Polysys and Hatteland Group. The NO-UK cable is an open cable system providing a total of eight dark fibre pairs from Stavanger to Newcastle. Through Altibox Carrier the consortium can offer dark fibre or capacity backhaul routes to any major PoP in the Nordics or UK.

Visit www.altiboxcarrier.com for more information.

About Fugro

Fugro is the world’s leading Geo-data specialist, collecting and analysing comprehensive information about the Earth and the structures built upon it. Adopting an integrated approach that incorporates acquisition and analysis of Geo-data and related advice, Fugro provides solutions. With expertise in site characterisation and asset integrity, clients are supported in the safe, sustainable, and efficient design, construction and operation of their assets throughout the full lifecycle. Employing approximately 10,000 talented people in 61 countries, Fugro serves clients around the globe, predominantly in the energy and infrastructure industries, both offshore and onshore. In 2019, revenue amounted to EUR 1.6 billion. The company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. www.fugro.com